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They will be joined by Peter Jones - the only one left from the original line-up - and longstanding Dragon Deborah Meaden.

Suleyman, owner of fashion brands Hawes & Curtis and Ghost, described the position as a 'privilege', adding that he is a 'long-standing fan of the show'.

New Dragon: Willingham, who masterminded the Bombay Bicycle Club restaurant chain, spoke of her excitement at meeting 'brilliant people with brilliant businesses

Fashion guru: Suleyman, owner of Hawes & Curtis and Ghost, described the position as a 'privilege'

He said: 'I know precisely what it takes to become a business success and I will certainly draw upon my own experiences when considering whether to invest.

'I can't wait to get started and look forward to initiating new business partnerships over the coming months.'

Willingham, who masterminded the Bombay Bicycle Club restaurant chain, spoke of her excitement at meeting 'brilliant people with brilliant businesses to invest in and support'.

The mother-of-four has managed a string of big-name restaurants and runs a consumer website.

Jenkins said he has always preferred the start-up stage to running a larger mature business.

'It is a more exhilarating journey and requires instinctive, fast decision-making,' he said.

'There is often not much information to analyse and the risk of failure is ever present.

Former Dragon: Duncan Bannatyne admitted he regretted sending a text to his ex-girlfriend, Michelle Evans, suggesting he would leak naked photographs of her, pictured with his new squeeze Nigora Whitehorn

'Today's technology means that it is possible for a business to succeed or fail much faster than ever before.

'I am very excited about joining and using my experience to back some great new businesses and help them through the turbulent first years.'

The 13th series of the show starts next month on BBC Two.

Bannatyne recently appeared on ITV's This Morning and admitted he regretted sending a text to his ex-girlfriend, Michelle Evans, suggesting he would leak naked photographs of her.

He was accompanied on the show by his new girlfriend, Nigora Whitehorn, who he's been dating for around three weeks.

Bannatyne spoke about his new love, saying: 'I was getting my teeth done.... I'd had my last treatment. I'd left and spoken to her and thought she's so beautiful I was falling in love with her without even knowing her.'

The business entrepreneur, who sat with his hand on her knee, hinted that the couple could marry, telling hosts Phillip Schofield and Amanda Holden: 'Get your hat ready.'